Project overview
Ethos Group, based in London, are a trusted integrated facilities management services provider, delivering tailored solutions across a wide range of clients across public and private sectors throughout the UK.
Omega Red Group (Omega) were contracted by Ethos Group on behalf of its client, Royal Museums Greenwich, to provide a height safety system on the listed historic vessel, Cutty Sark.
As the existing provider of height safety services to the Royal Museums Greenwich, Omega reviewed and identified issues with Cutty Sark’s existing access system during a consultancy visit. It was determined that an entirely new system was required to enable museum operatives to safely access the glazed canopy surrounding the vessel for cleaning and maintenance.
Project objectives
- Deliver a fully compliant restraint system that enables safe, efficient access to Cutty Sark’s glazed canopy for cleaning and maintenance.
- Remove the outdated, non‑compliant wire system and replace it with a proprietary solution compliant to BS 7883:2019.
- Design and install a system that minimises structural loading and protects the listed vessel whilst accommodating aesthetic considerations and visitor experience.
- Provide a fully engineered, tested and certified system with all required documentation, PPE and user training.
Scope of works
Removal of existing system
- Carefully dismantle and remove the existing non‑compliant, wire‑based fall protection system installed around the vessel’s outer perimeter.
- Ensure removal works do not damage the listed vessel structure or surrounding glazed canopy.
Design of new system
- Undertake detailed consultation with project management team, structural engineers, fabricators, vessel maintenance team and planning approval team.
- Assess structural limitations of the historic vessel to ensure any new system minimises load transfer and can be supported by the original structure.
- Consider aesthetic requirements to ensure the new system remains visually unobtrusive and aligned to its heritage environment.
Installation of proprietary height safety system
- Supply and install a proprietary, fully compliant fall protection system designed specifically for safe work restraint access to the glazed canopy.
- Position system components to allow operatives to move efficiently across the canopy area while maintaining continuous attachment in a restraint application.
- Ensure all fixings, anchors and components are rated to necessary design loads.
Testing and handover
- Conduct full proof testing and commissioning of the installed system.
- Deliver PPE and associated user training for cleaning and maintenance operatives.
Documentation and compliance
- Produce and provide full system certification, operations and maintenance (O&M) documentation and technical file in accordance with BS 7883:2019.
- Ensure all works comply with relevant height safety standards, manufacturer requirements, heritage site requirements and conservation guidelines.
Challenges
Delivering a height safety system for a listed, high profile museum attraction came with a variety of technical, logistical and environmental challenges. This included working within the constraints of a listed historic vessel to ensure visitor safety whilst minimising disruption to daily operations. The team had to balance conservation requirements with modern safety standards, engineer solutions that minimised load on the original structure and coordinate installation works around a live public environment. All of this had to be achieved while maintaining the visual integrity of an iconic landmark and providing operatives with safe, efficient access to the glazed canopy.
Outcome
The existing non-compliant wire-based system around the vessel’s outer perimeter was fully removed and replaced with a proprietary, compliant height safety system that now enables safe access for operatives maintaining the glazed canopy.
Through detailed consultation and technical assessment, Omega identified and specified the most suitable system solution, ensuring it delivered the required performance while minimising loadings on the listed vessel structure.
The final installation successfully balanced safety with structural sensitivity and aesthetics, providing a discreet solution that protects both operatives and the historic integrity of the Cutty Sark for years to come.
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